About this experience
Visit the only Mayan archaeological site near Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Ek Balam, where you can still climb a pyramid and see the jungle from above, before heading to the Yucatan peninsula's north coast to take a guided wildlife tour in a boat, and then marvel at the pink waters of Las Coloradas, before heading back to your hotel. At Ek Balam, you can enter Mayan rooms, climb a pyramid, and stand open-mouthed at the detail captured in 8th century stucco sculptures. You can choose between a classic VW Beetle, and a more modern vehicle for the day. Your guide, as a former professional photographer will capture photos throughout your day, and share these with you at the end of the day for no additional cost, and send you a summary video of up to 90 seconds by the following day.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
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Ek Balam and Cenote Tour From Cancun
Plan an Ek Balam and cenote tour from Cancun with practical guidance on trip length, cenote choices, admission costs, pickup details, accessibility, and what to bring.
What is included
- Private transportation
- Photographic Package
- English, Spanish, French, German speaking guide
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Your guide will recommend a restauarant based on your tastes and budget, rather than drive you to a standard buffet lunch.
Itinerary and highlights
A guided visit to Ek Balam, a Mayan archaelogical site in its prime in the classic period (600-900AD). A visit to Ek Balam is quite different from a visit to nearby Chichen Itza. You can climb a pyramid, enter rooms within a temple, marvel at artwork and sculptures the style and techniques for which are unique to this site. It is a more intimate experience of Mayan buildings, and with fewer visitors around, despite being a smaller site.
Drive to arrive approx. 2:15 (depending on pick-up location)
Board a private boat with a local captain and wildlife guide, who, during approximately 2.5 hours, will show you wildlife such as flamingoes, roseate spoonbills, crocodiles, pelicans, osprey and other birdlife. The boat tour includes an opportunity to cake yourself in the local mud, credited with properties which really help your skin complexion, and then to conclude visits a local cenote where you can refresh yourself in the cool clean waters.
Drive from Ek Balam approx. 1hr20mins.
Visit the bright pink waters at Las Coloradas (the vibrancy of the colours depends on the weather on the day and to an extent the time of year). With a local guide accredited by the working salt mine that operates there, visit the shores of the pink water - it's no longer allowed to enter or even touch the water since 2021. You will hear an explanation of the salt production process and perhaps some description of behaviours of any wildlife we encounter.
Drive from Rio Lagartos approx 25 minutes.
Drive back to Cancun/Playa del Carmen approx 3hrs30mins
Meeting and pickup information
- Please advise your pick-up point, and then once you arrive in Mexico, the name on your hotel reservation and room number.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Senor Travel Bug Mexico - Cancun Tours & Experiences
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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